Saturday June 4

7:53pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Saturday night, June 4, 2022. Went out last night, had a good time. Spent the day at home, watching sports and movies. Went to a matinee this afternoon, then had dinner with a friend. Now home. Going to relax before turning in.

How much change is too much?

4:57pm, pacific standard time, parking lot in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Wednesday afternoon, June 1, 2022. Signed my severance agreement today and sent it back. The money should be in my account the end of next week. Two interviews are scheduled for tomorrow; one is San Diego job and the other is for the opportunity I mentioned yesterday. I am contemplating Chaplaincy more. I want change, I want to do something I like but, I am struggling with how much change to make.

Memorial Day 2022

4:27pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Monday afternoon, May 30, 2022, Memorial Day. Left Orange County early to beat traffic but, it wasn’t necessary. In fact, it was the fastest trip across the desert so far. I even had time for a quick nap afterwards. My mom sent pictures of the graves in Wyoming this morning. Everything looks nice. She always does a good job. Seeing the pictures brought back fond memories of my brother and dad.

Job updates, Wednesday, May 25

3:28pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Wednesday afternoon, May 25, 2022. Busy day today; finally have a meeting tomorrow morning to discuss my severance with the previous company. After that, I drive to Glendale for an in-person interview to explore the Senior Leadership position I was contacted for yesterday. Finally, I have a virtual interview with a hospice in Orange County, California tomorrow evening at 5pm. A lot of options available, now it is time to see which is the best one.

Always look forward, never back

5:26pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Tuesday evening, May 24, 2022. The hiring director for the job in San Diego contacted me today. I have a virtual interview with Senior Leadership next Thursday. In addition, I was contacted for a different position this afternoon. It would require more travel and commitment but, at a much higher salary. Either way, I will return to California and be close to my daughter. I accept whatever outcome fate offers me. Always look forward, never back.

Monday, May 23

3:32pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Monday afternoon, May 23, 2022. After the game yesterday we ran a couple errands. Afterwards, it was too late to drive back to Arizona so I left first thing this morning. Another quiet day. No updates on the interviews from last week nor closure with the previous position.

Lack of professionalism

2:28pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday afternoon, May 20, 2022. Last Thursday, regional management came to the office early. At 9am they started meeting with staff, letting them know their positions had been eliminated. When they were done they met with me. They said my position was eliminated but, I could stay on if I wanted with a reduction in pay and title. Mind you, no formal offer was presented, nor was a severance agreement available if I declined. Nonetheless, I asked for a day to think about it. On Friday, I went to the office, took care of some things and turned the offer down. That was a week ago. Though I have asked for paperwork formalizing the separation numerous times, I have not received any information regarding the decision, the status of my benefits or a severance package. I am dumbstruck by the actions of this company and extremely disappointed by the lack of professionalism.

Chaplain interview

3:92pm, pacific standard time, neighborhood park, Chandler, Arizona, USA, Thursday afternoon, May 19, 2022. Had a good talk with the board liaison for Chaplain endorsement. They will make their final decision on my candidacy tomorrow. I suspect nothing will hold it up,I meet all the requirements and their process is not stringent. Once that is in place I will have all the qualifications to pursue chaplain work again. Presenting as a spiritual candidate is vastly different than interviewing to be a director. I need to keep that in mind as the next few weeks unfold.

Slow day

2:50pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Wednesday afternoon, May 18, 2022. Last night I went to dinner with a friend in Glendale, but today hasn’t been productive. I am going to shower then run errands. Time to get out of the house for a while.

A silver lining after all

3:00pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Tuesday afternoon, May 17, 2022. The interview this morning went well. I got insight from a former colleague, they have one more candidate on Thursday, then the next round of interviews start. I imagine a trip to San Diego will happen next week to meet with employees at the site. On a personal note, my daughter’s school is hosting a potluck at a baseball game Sunday. Since I don’t have to rush back for work, I can go with her. What do you know? There is a silver lining to being laid off after all.